Dislocated shoulder for Rafael

Manchester United's pre-season preparations will have been dented with the news that promising defender, Rafael da Silva, has dislocated his shoulder.

The blossoming Brazilian emerged as an exciting prospect last season due to a series of scintillating games on the big stage, including an influential cameo appearance versus Arsenal at Ashburton Grove, where United were losing 2-0 but Rafael took control of the closing stages and looked to spark a comeback as he hit a powerful strike to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

There were growing rumours that the right-back would be receive further first-team tests over the coming season, but there is now a real chance that da Silva could miss the start of the season.

His twin brother, Fabio, 19, has featured in both of United's pre-season fixtures thus far, against a Malaysian XI during the club's tour of Asia.

Club captain Gary Neville, England hopeful Wes Brown, and versatile Irishman John O'Shea provide manager Alex Ferguson's other options for the right-back role.